A case study on STEP-enabled generic product modelling framework

This research proposes a STEP-enabled generic product modelling framework (GPMF) for efficient information exchange and sharing in support of rapid product development in a modern manufacturing environment. This framework consists of four functional components: an EXPRESS data model, namely EDM; a STEP–based modelling environment; a ‘five-phase’ modelling method; and three EDM data exchange and sharing methods. The focus of this research is placed on the modelling methodologies and the definition of schemas for various product development activities such as manufacturing, inspection, etc., and the integration of the schemas with other resources defined within STEP. There are 25 schemas defined to enable that the proposed GPMF is compatible and can be used in modelling various types of products. These aspects, to our best knowledge, are not studied extensively in the literature. The structure of framework will be discussed in the paper with the focus placed on the EDM as the core of the framework. Case studies are carried out to validate the proposed GPMF. Two products are chosen from different engineering disciplines. They are modelled into product models according to the GPMF. Each case utilizes one of the EDM data exchange and sharing methods and its corresponding software environment to obtain the product models that are presented as STEP Part 21 exchange files, STEP objects and a database object. A prototype system called product data management system (PDMS) is developed to test the GPMF. The case studies show that the product models built based on the GPMF are capable of integrating information in product design, manufacturing and assembly, and the GPMF is compatible, comprehensive and flexible.

[1]  Xinguo Ming,et al.  A PDES/STEP-based information model for computer-aided process planning , 1998 .

[2]  Stefan A. Haas.  A Collaborative Environment Based on Distributed Object-Oriented Databases (1996) (In: "Computers in Industry") , 1996 .

[3]  L. Lamit.  Pro/Engineer Wildfire , 2004 .

[4]  S. Q. Xie,et al.  A STEP-compliant process planning system for sheet metal parts , 2006, Int. J. Comput. Integr. Manuf..

[5]  Wang Yong,et al.  A feature-based parametric modeling system for CAD/CAPP/CAM integrated system , 1996, Proceedings of the IEEE International Conference on Industrial Technology (ICIT'96).

[6]  A. M Shaharoun,et al.  A STEP-based geometrical representation as part of product data model of a plastics part , 1998 .

[7]  John M. Usher.  A STEP-based object-oriented product model for process planning , 1996 .

[8]  Xuan F. Zha,et al.  A PDES/STEP-based model and system for concurrent integrated design and assembly planning , 2002, Comput. Aided Des..

[9]  Cai Chang-tao.  Design Method of Application Protocol of the Machine Parts Based on STEP , 2002 .

[10]  Ma Mei,et al.  Feature Modeling for Aeroengine Blades According to STEP , 1999 .

[11]  Uwe Jasnoch,et al.  A collaborative environment based on distributed object-oriented databases , 1995, Proceedings 4th IEEE Workshop on Enabling Technologies: Infrastructure for Collaborative Enterprises (WET ICE '95).

[12]  Jami J. Shah,et al.  Experimental investigation of the form-feature information model , 1991, Comput. Aided Des..

[13]  Shane Xie,et al.  An Information Modelling Framework to Support Intelligent Concurrent Design and Manufacturing of Sheet Metal Parts , 2001 .

[14]  Li Zheng,et al.  STEP-based product modeling for concurrent stamped part and die development , 2001, Comput. Ind..

[15]  Glenn Murphy,et al.  Similitude in engineering , 1950 .

[16]  Kwai-Sang Chin,et al.  STEP-Based Multiview Integrated Product Modelling for Concurrent Engineering , 2002 .

[17]  Song Yuyin.  Study on knowledge based integrated design for manufacture of mechanical parts , 1999 .